If you're in the mood for an exhilarating and spine-tingling read, then look no further than the bone chilling book on Egyptian curses. This captivating literary work takes you on a journey through the mysterious and eerie world of ancient Egypt, where curses and supernatural forces reign supreme. From the moment you open the book, you will be transported to a world filled with sinister tales and macabre legends. The author masterfully weaves together historical facts and fiction to create a narrative that is both educational and deeply unsettling. The main idea of this book is the exploration of the fascinating and terrifying concept of Egyptian curses. These curses were believed to be invoked by the gods or powerful Pharaohs to punish thieves and desecrators of tombs.

Pagan tree topper

Today is the Winter Solstice - the time of year when the days stop getting shorter. Pagans celebrate the rebirth of the Sun and it is one of the most important festivals of the Wheel of the Year.

So, why do so many pagans have stars, fairies or angels on top of their yule trees instead of images of the golden sun?

Although the bringing of greenery into the home is an ancient tradition, dating back to ancient Pagan times. The decorating of Yule or Christmas trees didn't start until the 15th or 16th century in Germany and Scandinavia .

At first things like biscuits were hung from the trees, but decorations grew more and more elaborate. The tree-topper came later, but was originally a Christian symbol for the star of Bethlehem. Of course, it is possible to read more than just that original symbolism into a five-pointed star. If you make it like a pentagram it is very much a pagan symbol too, after all.

Angels as treetoppers generally represent Gabriel, the messenger of God in the Christmas story. In the UK, decorated fir trees with angels on top only became popular in Victorian times. Pictures of Queen Victoria's Christmas tree, complete with an angel, appeared in newspapers and started a trend.

Many Pagans prefer to have a fairy on the top of a Christmas tree as this seems, well, a bit more pagan. According to the book History Of the Christmas Fairy Doll by Susan Brewer, an old pagan belief was that fairies slept in holly during the winter months. Holly has a very long history of being used to decorate homes for the winter festival, presumably bringing fairies with it.

Victorians loved fairies as much as angels, so the use of them as Yule tree decorations became interchangeable - and sometimes almost indistinguishable.

There are, of course, plenty of secular things you can top your tree with - from traditional finials to bows to darkly humorous Cthulhus.

But should pagans perhaps have an image of the sun on top of their trees, as that is the spiritual significance of this time of year for us? You can get golden treetoppers that look a bit sun-like, including the one pictured, from Four Seasons Liverpool. What do you think? And what do you usually have on your tree?

The photos show a 1950s fairy that is still used on the top of my family's tree, a star treetopper that I made and a gold sunburst treetopper decoration.

Pagans and Christmas Trees

Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.

Every year around the winter holidays, people new to Paganism start asking the question about whether or not they can have a Christmas tree — or a holiday tree — in their home. The short answer to that question is: it's your house, you can decorate it any darn way you like. If a tree makes you and your family happy, then go for it. The slightly longer answer is that a lot of modern Pagans find a way to blend the Christmas traditions of their childhood with the Pagan beliefs they've come to embrace as adults. So yes, you can have a family Yule celebration and still have a holiday tree, roast chestnuts on the open fire, and even hang stockings with care by the fire.

Did You Know?

• The tradition of decorating green trees during the winter solstice goes back at least as far as the Egyptian and Roman civilizations.
• Decorate your tree with things that represent your Pagan spirituality and the themes of the season — lights, sun symbols, magical items, and natural objects.
• There are some Christian denominations that object to the adornment of a tree to celebrate the birth of Jesus, so Christianity certainly doesn't have a monopoly on the holiday decorating season.

These curses were believed to be invoked by the gods or powerful Pharaohs to punish thieves and desecrators of tombs. The book delves into the origins and history of these curses, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Egyptian belief system and their obsession with the afterlife. The author also examines famous and infamous cases of individuals who encountered these curses firsthand.

History of Indoor Trees

During the Roman festival of Saturnalia, celebrants often decorated their homes with clippings of shrubs, and hung metal ornaments outside on trees. Typically, the ornaments represented a god — either Saturn, or the family's patron deity. The laurel wreath was a popular decoration as well. The ancient Egyptians didn't have evergreen trees, but they had palms — and the palm tree was the symbol of resurrection and rebirth. They often brought the fronds into their homes during the time of the winter solstice. Early Germanic tribes decorated trees with fruit and candles in honor of Odin for the solstice. These are the folks who brought us the words Yule and wassail, as well as the tradition of the Yule Log!

There a number plants that are associated with the winter solstice season, in a Pagan context, if you don't have the space for a full tree, or if you want a more minimalist approach. Boughs of evergreens, vases of holly branches and yew, birch logs, mistletoe, and ivy are all sacred to the winter solstice in many Pagan traditions.

These real-life stories will not only send shivers down your spine but also offer insight into the consequences of disturbing sacred burial grounds. Throughout the book, the author introduces readers to the various types of curses, their methods of invocation, and the chilling effects they had on those unfortunate enough to be targeted. From stories of horrifying deaths to inexplicable misfortune, each chapter is filled with bone chilling tales that will leave you on the edge of your seat. One cannot mention Egyptian curses without discussing the most famous of all - the Curse of the Pharaohs. The author provides a detailed analysis of this legendary curse, exploring its origins and the inexplicable deaths that followed the excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb. This chapter is particularly gripping as it unravels the mystery surrounding these deaths, questioning whether it was mere coincidence or something more sinister at play. In addition to the historical accounts, the book incorporates elements of the supernatural, delving into the belief in magic and the occult among ancient Egyptians. The author presents various theories and practices that were used to protect oneself from these curses, shedding light on the desperate measures people took to ward off evil. Overall, this bone chilling book on Egyptian curses is a must-read for anyone fascinated by ancient Egypt, the occult, or simply loves a good fright. The author's meticulous research and captivating storytelling make for an enthralling read that will keep you up late into the night, questioning the boundaries between myth and reality. So, brace yourself and prepare for a chilling adventure into the depths of ancient Egypt's darkest secrets..

Reviews for "Lost Pharaohs and Forgotten Curses: A Thrilling Book on Egyptian Mythology"

1. Jane - 2/5 - While I was excited to dive into a bone chilling book on Egyptian curses, I found this particular book to be a disappointment. The writing felt disjointed and the plot was confusing, making it difficult to follow along with the storyline. Additionally, I felt that the characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with them on any level. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.

2. Mark - 1/5 - Bone chilling? More like bone-numbingly boring! I struggled to get through this book on Egyptian curses due to its lackluster plot and sluggish pacing. The author seemed more interested in providing historical information rather than crafting a compelling story. The characters were forgettable, and the climax of the book was far from thrilling. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and gripping read.

3. Sarah - 2/5 - As someone who enjoys reading about Egyptian history and curses, I was initially intrigued by this book. Unfortunately, it failed to deliver the bone chilling experience it promised. The writing felt dry and lacked the suspense and intrigue necessary to captivate the reader. Additionally, the pacing was slow, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. While the historical information provided was interesting, it couldn't make up for the book's overall lackluster execution. Disappointing read.

Cursed Tombs and Haunted Pyramids: A Must-Read Book on Egyptian Curses